New Zealand captain Amelia Kerr delivered a remarkable performance during the second ODI between New Zealand Women and Zimbabwe Women in Dunedin on Sunday. In the match, Kerr produced one of the most impressive bowling displays in ODI history.
Most significantly, she claimed seven wickets to help New Zealand take firm control of the contest.
After winning the toss, New Zealand chose to bowl first, and the decision quickly paid off as their bowlers applied immediate pressure on Zimbabwe’s batting lineup.
Zimbabwe Struggle To Build Momentum
Zimbabwe found it difficult to construct partnerships throughout their innings. Only a handful of batters managed to contribute with the bat, while most of the lineup failed to make an impact. The top score came from Modester Mupachikwa, who made 32 runs off 51 balls.
Amelia Kerr led the bowling effort with a historic spell, taking seven wickets for 34 runs in 9.1 overs.
Her teammate Molly Penfold also played an important role with the ball, claiming three wickets for 17 runs in four overs. Thanks to this dominant bowling display, Zimbabwe Women were bowled out for 102 in 29.1 overs.
Kerr Sets Multiple ODI Records
Amelia Kerr’s performance with the ball etched her name into the record books of ODI cricket. She set a new record for the best bowling figures by a captain in ODI matches.
The previous women’s record was held by India’s Mamatha Maben, who took six wickets for 10 runs against Sri Lanka in 2004.
Kerr’s figures also surpassed the previous record across both men’s and women’s ODI cricket. The earlier men’s record belonged to Waqar Younis, who claimed seven wickets for 36 runs against England in 2001.
In addition, Amelia Kerr became the seventh bowler in women’s ODI history to register a seven-wicket haul. The best bowling figures in women’s ODI cricket remain with Pakistan’s Sajida Shah, who took seven wickets against Japan in 2003.
New Zealand Complete Chase With Ease
When New Zealand began their chase, the biggest challenge came from changing weather conditions rather than the opposition bowling attack.
The hosts started on a positive note as opener Izzy Gaze played an aggressive cameo of 20 runs from 22 balls before being dismissed by Audrey Mazvishaya.
Amelia Kerr then continued her outstanding performance by contributing with the bat as well. She struck 45 from 40 deliveries in an attacking innings that brought New Zealand close to victory.
Although she fell short of a half-century after being dismissed by Christabel Chatonzwa, her knock had already placed the hosts in a commanding position.
Maddy Green and Brooke Halliday then completed the chase without difficulty, guiding New Zealand to the target before the drinks break in the second innings. The match concluded in just 16.2 overs.
